Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 5 December 2023
127. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs his response to the reprimand of the Irish ambassador to Israel in response to a social media post by An Taoiseach; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53477/23]
View answer128. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if, in light of an announced rebuke of the Irish ambassador, if his Government has reconsidered the actions of the Deputy Head of Mission of the Israeli mission in Ireland, who levelled accusations against the Irish Government of funding Hamas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53478/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 127 and 128 together.
The Government was surprised by the Israeli reaction. This was made clear by our Ambassador in Tel Aviv during her meeting with the Israeli Foreign Ministry on 27 November.
Ambassador McGuinness presented the Foreign Ministry with the full statements issued by the Taoiseach and I, following the release of Emily Hand. These referenced the traumatic experience endured by Emily and her family, reiterated thanks to international partners who had facilitated the release and called for the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages held by Hamas in Gaza.
The meeting also afforded Ambassador McGuinness an opportunity to convey Ireland’s position on a range of issues, including the importance of fully respecting International Humanitarian Law and getting desperately-needed humanitarian supplies to civilians in Gaza; that the truce which was in place should become a sustainable humanitarian ceasefire; and that the international community must focus on a pathway to deliver a two-state solution which can allow the people of Israel and Palestine to live in peace and security.
In relation to the comments made by an Israeli Embassy official on social media, I understand that they were deleted and a clarification was issued by the Embassy noting that the comments did not represent the position of the Embassy or the Government of Israel.
It is essential that we maintain open channels of communication through Embassies and Ambassadors during times of conflict.
